Q: What is the biggest challenge Maine's economy is facing right now and what is the best way to move the state's economy forward?

A: The biggest challenge facing the State of Maine is the need for more jobs so that Mainers can stay in our great State to live, work, and raise their families. The number one thing we can do to reinvigorate Maine's economy is to help small businesses start up, grow, and succeed since they create the vast majority of jobs. That means: investing in Maine workers through training programs that match their skills with employers' needs; updating our tax code to encourage small business investment in equipment and other assets needed for them to compete and grow; and ensuring that we have the transportation and energy infrastructure in place to support an expanding economy. I have authored several bills as part of my Seven Point Plan for Maine Jobs to address each of these areas and others.

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Q: What should our country's role be on the world stage? Is the current level of U.S. involvement in international affairs appropriate?

A: The United States remains the beacon of freedom, the rule of law, and human rights in the world. Our foreign policy is at its best when it is credible, anchored in reality, and furthers our national interests and values. Unfortunately, our current foreign policy isn't working and that has put our country at greater risk. The President's vacillation on how to handle the enormous threat posed by ISIS and his equivocating in the face of a Russian invasion of Ukraine have badly damaged U.S. credibility among both our allies and our adversaries. As we have seen with the Administration's slow response to the threat posed by ISIS, the President's caution has too frequently resulted in a reactive foreign policy rather than one where we develop a strategy early that helps make it more likely that we, working with our allies, can achieve our goals. Simply put, hope is not a reliable foreign policy strategy.

Q: How do you balance the importance of national security with individual privacy rights?

A: It is a false choice that we must decide between the security of our nation and the privacy and civil liberties that we Americans value so greatly.When I wrote the landmark intelligence reform bill with Senator Lieberman after 9/11, we created the National Counterterrorism Center and the Director of National Intelligence to strengthen our nation's counterterrorism efforts. Notably, we also created the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to ensure that an independent oversight body exists to protect civil liberties in the conduct of counterterrorism efforts. I support efforts to strengthen further the oversight of our intelligence agencies. Cybersecurity is another area where I have authored legislation because security and privacy go hand-in-hand. When cybersecurity increases, our country becomes safer, and the privacy of the millions of Americans who use the internet also is strengthened.

Q: What is the most important quality for a leader to have and why? How do you exhibit that quality?

A: Integrity, courage, and independence are essential qualities for a leader. As Margaret Chase Smith once said, "The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for what is right when it is unpopular is the true test of moral character." Her example of moderation, integrity, and independence has inspired me throughout my service in the United States Senate. Whether it was moving Senators out of their partisan corners to end the government shutdown, or bringing together a bipartisan coalition to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I have always worked to follow the advice given to me by Senator Smith to stand tall for my principles, while working to find common ground to advance important national and Maine interests. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. Our political system works best when there is compromise and a willingness to work with all Senators. Because of my bipartisan approach to legislating, I have a long list of major legislative accomplishments.

Q: Which of your opponent's ideas or positions do you admire and why?

A: I value civic engagement and involvement in government. While my opponent and I hold very different views on most issues, campaigns are an important part of our democratic political system. I admire Shenna's willingness to give up a secure job as the primary lobbyist for the ACLU in Maine in order to run for public office. I know that that is not easy to do.